Compositions and methods for controlling insects

ABSTRACT

Compositions and methods for controlling the population of insects are disclosed. The compositions include a feeding stimulant for a particular insect, an effective amount of a 1-arylpyrazole or nicotinyl insecticide to kill an desired insect, at a concentration which is not typically toxic when applied to a plant in the absence of a feeding stimulant and the insect consumes an ordinary amount of toxin during the course of normal feeding, but is toxic when applied in conjunction with a feeding stimulant which causes the insect to consume more of the toxin than would normally be consumed during normal feeding. The use of normally non-toxic amounts of insecticides allows one to minimize the residual insecticide present on the crops. Also, by using a selective feeding stimulant along with a normally non-lethal concentration of insecticide, beneficial insects which are not attracted to the feeding stimulant are not effectively killed off, and detrimental insects which are attracted to the feeding stimulant are effectively killed off.

The present invention relates to a method of controlling insects at alocus and an insecticidal composition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Farmers growing crops such as cotton, corn and rice commonly useinsecticides, and in particular, adulticides, to control the populationof detrimental insects, and to minimize the damage caused by theinsects. Insecticides are often applied to the soil to kill larvae, orsprayed on the plants to kill the adult insects.

Farmers need to use insecticides in order to grow enough crops to feedthe ever increasing population with the ever decreasing amount ofavailable farmland. However, even though food prices would significantlyescalate, and food would undoubtedly become scarce without the use ofinsecticides, the widespread use of insecticides has been opposedbecause of actual and perceived detrimental environmental and healthproblems. These problems include the contamination of groundwater andthe actual or perceived toxicity of food products containing residualinsecticides.

Efforts have been made to increase the effectiveness and selectivity ofinsecticidal compositions. One method which has been developed involvescombining insecticides with bait formulations, typically includinginsect attractants such as pheremones. In theory, less insecticide isused, and over a narrower area, because the insects are attracted to aspecified location. These attractants are more or less efficacious intheir attractant power, and help with the selectivity of the insecticidetoward harmful rather than beneficial insects. However, a limitation ofthis approach is that the attractive power of the attractant isgenerally insufficient for non-confined areas such as crop fields.

It would be advantageous to provide compositions and methods which canlower the residue on crops, and which can be applied to the crops ratherthat in non-confined areas. For health reasons as well as marketingreasons, there remains a desire to provide insecticidal compositions andmethods of using same that provide even less residue than the mosteffective insecticides to date. The present invention provides suchcompositions and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Compositions and methods for controlling a population of insects at acrop locus are disclosed. The compositions include a feeding stimulant(also known as a gustatory stimulant) for the insect to be controlled, a1-arylpyrazole and/or nicotinyl insecticide and optionally butpreferably an adherent, such as a thixotropic agent and/or a carrier.The composition of the invention is advantageously non-solid, preferablyliquid or gel-like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Compositions and methods for controlling a population of insects at acrop locus are disclosed. The compositions include a feeding stimulant(also known as a gustatory stimulant) for the insect to be controlled, a1-arylpyrazole and/or nicotinyl insecticide and optionally butpreferably an adherent, such as a thixotropic agent and/or a carrier.The composition of the invention is advantageously non-solid, preferablyliquid or gel-like. Viscous compositions are preferred so that they mayremain for extended periods of time. Thixotropic compositions are morepreferred so that may be applied in a uniform way and remain on theleaves thereafter.

In general, the viscosity of the composition is between about 10 and20000 centipoise, preferably between about 500 and 12000 centipoise. Theviscosities are Brookfield viscosities measured with a viscosimeter inthe form of a flat palate rotating at 20 rounds per minute.

The composition typically includes between 0.1 and 40%, preferablybetween about 2 and 20% by weight of a feeding stimulant, and aninsecticide in the range of between 0.0001 and 40%, preferably 0.1 to 5%by weight of the composition. The concentration of the components in thecomposition is controlled to provide a concentration of insecticide whenapplied to a crop locus, for example, by aerial application. Usefulconcentrations of insecticide are typically less than 10 grams/hectare(g/ha), preferably less than 5 g/ha, and more preferably, between 10 and100 mg/ha. The ratio of feeding stimulant to insecticide in thecomposition is between 150,000:1 to 10:1, preferably about 40,000:1.

In one embodiment, the concentration of the feeding stimulant in thecomposition is between approximately 10 and 150 g/liter, preferablybetween approximately 40 and 60 g/liter, and more preferably, about 50g/liter. The concentration of the insecticide in the composition isbetween approximately 1 mg and 1 g/liter, preferably betweenapproximately 1 mg and 500 mg/liter, and more preferably, 1 mg and 10mg/liter. The composition is applied to the crop locus at aconcentration of between about 5 and 15, more preferably, between about8 and 12, and more preferably, between about 9 and 11 liters/ha, whichprovides the crop with the necessary levels of feeding stimulant andinsecticide.

The insecticides are applied at a concentration which is not typicallytoxic when applied to a plant in the absence of a feeding stimulant andthe insect consumes an ordinary amount of toxin during the course ofnormal feeding, but is toxic when applied in conjunction with a feedingstimulant which causes the insect to consume more of the toxin thanwould normally be consumed during normal feeding. The use of normallynon-toxic amounts of insecticides allows one to minimize the residualinsecticide present on the crops. Also, by using a selective feedingstimulant along with a normally non-lethal concentration of insecticide,beneficial insects which are not attracted to the feeding stimulant arenot effectively killed off, and detrimental insects which are attractedto the feeding stimulant are effectively killed off.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions are provided below to better describe thesubject matter being claimed.

As used herein, alkyl radicals and alkyl portions of haloalkyl,haloalkoxy, alkylamino and dialkylamino radicals can have up to sevencarbon atoms but are preferably lower alkyl, that is to say, theypreferably each have one to four carbon atoms. In the case of thedialkylamino radicals, the alkyl portions can be the same or different.

As used herein, the term "carrier" means any substance used to dilutethe insecticide/feeding stimulant prior to application.

I. Compositions

A. Feeding Stimulant

A feeding stimulant is a compound which induces an insect to feed on thecomposition and preferably to consume an amount of the composition whichis on average two times, preferably five times the normal amount of foodeaten during the same period of time by the same insect. As theinsecticide is present along with the feeding stimulant, at least two tofive times the normal amount of insecticide are consumed by the animal.

Many insects are attracted to sweet compounds, such as glucose,fructose, and sucrose. However, insects such as members of Diabroticaspp. (e.g., corn rootworm beetles) are attracted to bitter substancesknown as cucurbitacins. These substances repel most beneficial insects,and tend to attract many deleterious insects.

Suitable feeding stimulants for members of Diabrotica spp. includecucurbitacins or sugar derivatives thereof. These materials aregenerally found in powdered cucurbitacae plants from the genusCucurbita, and family Cucurbitacaea, which generally includes cucumbers,squash, gourds, watermelons, and cantaloupe. Specific varieties ofcucurbits include Cucurbita foetidissima, Cucurbita ecuadorensis,Cucurbita martenzii, Cucurbita palmeri, Cucurbita pedatifolia, Cucurbitapalmata and Cucurbita okeechobeensis.

Suitable cucurbitacins can be extracted using solvents or prepared bymilling dried plant matter. Effective derivatives of these substanceshave been prepared, which are selected for their increased ability toattract insects, and also which are designed to be less water soluble,therefore assisting in keeping the substances on the crop locus for alonger period of time. Cucurbitacin E-glycoside is particularlypreferred.

For fire ants, suitable feeding stimulants include vegetable oils andother alkanes. Fire ants are so attracted to corn oil, that acomposition including corn oil and Fipronil can be applied to a fieldinfested with fire ants at a concentration of about 20 mg/ha andsubstantially eliminate virtually all of the fire ants in the field.With respect to fire ants, other vegetable oils, such as palm oil,coconut oil, sesame oil, peanut oil and the like can also be used inplace of corn oil. By the term substantially eliminate is meant greaterthan 80 percent, preferably greater than 90 percent, and morepreferably, greater than 95 percent of the ants in the field.

The compositions and methods described herein are effective to controlfire ants are generally effective to control both single and multiplequeen colonies, the latter being a particularly difficult colony tocontrol with current insecticides.

B. 1-Aryl Pyrazole

Insecticidal 1-arylpyrazoles are known to those of skill in the art.Suitable 1-arylpyrazole or nicotinyl insecticides are those which wouldnormally be effective for the particular insect to be controlled atconcentrations of between approximately 10 and 500 g/ha without theadded feeding stimulant, and which are effective at concentrations lessthan 10 g/ha, preferably less than 5 g/ha, and, more preferably, betweenapproximately 10 and 950 mg/ha when combined with the feeding stimulant.Those of skill in the art are either well aware of the effectiveconcentration of the various 1-aryl insecticides to kill a desired pest,or this type of information can readily be determined using no more thanroutine experimentation.

Preferably, the 1-arylpyrazole has the following formula: ##STR1##wherein:

R₁ is CN or methyl;

R₂ is S(O)_(n) R₃ ;

R₃ is alkyl or haloalkyl;

R₄ is H, halo, or a radical selected from --NR₅ R₆, C(O)OR₇, --S(O)_(m)R₇, alkyl, haloalkyl, --OR₈, or --N═C(R₉)(R₁₀);

R₅ and R₆ are independently H, alkyl, haloalkyl, --C(O)alkyl, or--S(O)_(r) CF₃ ; or R₅ and R₆ form together a divalent radical which maybe interrupted by one or more heteroatoms;

R₇ is alkyl or haloalkyl;

R₈ is H, alkyl, or haloalkyl;

R₉ is H or alkyl;

R₁₀ is phenyl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with one or morefunctional groups selected from hydroxy, halo, --O-alkyl, --S-alkyl,cyano, alkyl or combinations thereof;

X is N or the radical C-R₁₂ ;

R₁₁ and R₁₂ are, independently, H or halo.

R₁₃ is halo, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, --S(O)_(q) CF₃ or --SF₅ ;

m, n, q, r are independently 0, 1 or 2;

provided that when R₁ is methyl, R₃ is haloalkyl, R₄ is NH₂, R₁₁ is Cl,R₁₃ is CF₃, and X is N.

The alkyl and alkoxy groups of the formula (I) are preferably loweralkyl and alkoxy groups, that is, radicals having one to four carbonatoms. The haloalkyl and haloalkoxy groups likewise preferably have oneto four carbon atoms. The haloalkyl and haloalkoxy groups can bear oneor more halogen atoms; preferred groups of this type include --CF₃ and--OCF₃.

Preferably, the 1-arylpyrazole has the following substitution:

R₁ is CN; and/or R₄ is --NR₅ R₆ ; and/or R₅ and R₆ are independently H,alkyl, haloalkyl, --C(O)alkyl, or --C(O)OR₇ ; and/or X is C-R₁₂ ; and/orR₁₃ is halo, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, or --SF₅.

The most preferred 1-arylpyrazole is5-amino-3-cyano-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethylsulfinylpyrazole(Fipronil).

The compounds of formula (I) can be prepared using techniques known tothose of skill in the art, including for example, processes disclosed inInternational Patent Publications No. WO 87/03781, WO 93/06089 and WO94/21606, as well as in European Patent Publication numbers 0295117,0403300, 0385809, and 0679650, German Patent Publication 19511269 andU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,232,940 and 5,236,938.

C. Nicotinyl Insecticide

Nicotonyl insecticides are known to those of skill in the art, and arecommonly known as agonists or antagonists of acetylcholine receptors.Suitable nicotinyl insecticides are those which would normally beeffective for the particular insect to be controlled at concentrationsof between approximately 10 and 500 g/ha without the added feedingstimulant, and which are effective at concentrations less than 10 g/ha,preferably less than 5 g/ha, and, more preferably, between approximately10 and 950 mg/ha when combined with the feeding stimulant. Those ofskill in the art are either well aware of the effective concentration ofthe various nicotinyl insecticides to kill a desired pest, or this typeof information can readily be determined using no more than routineexperimentation.

The use of NI25 is specifically hereby disclaimed. This disclaimer isnot being made for reasons of prior art.

Examples of agonists and antagonists of the nicotinergic acetylcholinereceptors are those disclosed in European Patent Application Nos.464,830, 428,941, 425,978, 386,565, 383,091, 375,907, 364,844, 315,826,259,738, 254,859, 235,725, 212,600, 192,060, 163,855, 154,178, 136,686,303,570, 302,833, 306,696, 189,972, 455,000, 135,956, 471,372, and302,389; German Application Nos. 3,639,877, 3,712,307; JapaneseApplication Nos. 03,220,176, 02,207,083, 63,307,857, 63,287,764,03,246,283, 03,279,359, and 03,255,072; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,034,524,4,948,798, 4,918,086, 5,039,686, and 5,034,404; PCT applications WO91/17659 and 91/4965; French application 2,611,114; and Brazilianapplication 88 03 621, which have the effectiveness described above.

These compounds are described as a group having the name nitromethylenesand related compounds. These compounds may preferably be described bythe general structure ##STR2## wherein:

R is hydrogen, optionally substituted acyl, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl,heteroaryl, or heteroarylalkyl;

A is a monofanctional group selected from H, acyl, alkyl, aryl, orbifunctional groups attached to the Z remainder;

E is an electron-attracting remainder;

X' is the remainder --CH═ or ═N-- where the --CH═ remainder instead ofan H atom can be attached to the Z remainder;

Z is a mono functional group selected from alkyl, --OR, --SR, ##STR3##

or bifunctional groups which are attached to the A remainder or to the Xremainder.

Preferably, the compounds of Formula II have the followingsubstitutions:

R is H or optionally substituted remainders selected from acyl, alkyl,aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or heteroarylalkyl.

Suitable acyl remainders include formyl, alkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl,allylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, and (alkyl-)-(aryl-)-phosphoryl, which inturn can be substituted. Suitable alkyls are C₁ -C₁₀ alkyl, inparticular C₁ -C₄ alkyl, specifically methyl, alkyl, i-propyl, sec.- ort-butyl, which in turn can be substituted. Suitable aryls include phenyland naphthyl, most preferably, phenyl. Suitable aralkyls includephenylrnethyl and phenethyl. Suitable heteroaryls include heteroarylshaving up to 10 ring atoms and N, O, S, in particular, N, as the heteroatoms. Examples include thiophenyl, firryl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl,pyridyl, and benzthiazolyl. Suitable heteroarylalkyls includeheteroarylmethyl, heteroarylethyl having up to 6 ring atoms and N, O, S,in particular, N, as hetero atoms.

Preferably, the alkyl groups have between 1 and 4, more preferablybetween 1 and 2 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, n- and i-propyl andn-, i- and t-butyl. Alkoxy groups preferably have been 1 and 4, morepreferably between 1 and 2 carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, n- andi-propyloxy, and n-, i- and t-butyloxy. Alkylthios preferably havebetween 1 and 4, more preferably between 1 and 2 carbon atoms, such asmethylthio, ethylthio, n- and i-propylthio and n-, i- and t-butylthio.Haloalkyls preferably have between 1 and 4, more preferably between 1and 2 carbon atoms, and preferably between 1 and 5, more preferably,between 1 and 3 halogen atoms, wherein the halogen atoms are the same ordifferent, and preferably are fluorine, chlorine, or bromine, morepreferably fluorine. An example of a preferred haloalkyl group istrifluoromethyl.

Suitable optional substituents include hydroxy; halo, preferably fluoro,chloro, or bromo, cyano; nitro; amino; monoalkyl and dialkylaminospreferably having between 1 and 4, more preferably between 1 and 2carbon atoms per alkyl group, for example, methylamino, ethylamino, n-and i- propylamino and methyl-n-butylamino; carboxyls; carbalkoxyspreferably having between 2 and 4, more preferably between 2 and 3carbon atoms, such as carbomethoxy and carboethoxy; sulfo (--SO₃ H);alkylsulfonyl, preferably having between 1 and 4, more preferablybetween 1 and 2 carbon atoms, such as methylsulfonyl and ethylsulfonyl;arylsulfonyl preferably having 6 or 10 aryl carbon atoms, such asphenylsulfonyl, and heteroarylamino and heteroarylalkylamino such aschloropyridylamino and chloropyridylmethylamino.

A is H or optionally substituted remainders selected from acyl, alkyl,or aryl, which preferably have the meanings stated above. A also standsfor a bifunctional group. Typical examples are optionally substitutedalkylene groups having between 1 and 4, more preferably between 1 and 2carbon atoms.

A and Z, together with the atoms to which they are bonded, may form asaturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring. The heterocyclic ring maycontain one or two identical or different hetero atoms and/or heterogroups. Preferable hetero atoms are oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen; typicalhetero groups are N-alkyl, where the alkyl of the N-alkyl grouppreferably contains between 1 and 4, more preferably between 1 and 2carbon atoms. Typical alkyls are methyl, ethyl, n- and i-propyl and n-,i- and t-butyl. The heterocyclic ring contains between 5 and 7,preferably five or six ring members. Examples of suitable heterocyclicrings include pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, hexamethylenimine,morpholine, and N-methylpiperazine.

E is an electron-attracting remainder, in particular NO₂, CN, haloalkylcarbonyl as well as 1,5-halogen-C₁ -C₄ -carbonyl, in particular C(O)CF₃.

X is --CH═ or --N═

Z is an optionally substituted remainder selected from alkyl, --OR,--SR, or --NRR, wherein R and the substituents have the meaning statedabove.

Z can form a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic ring at the positionof X together with the atom to which it is attached and the remainder##STR4##

The heterocyclic ring can contain an additional one or two identical ordifferent hetero atoms and/or hetero groups. The hetero atoms arepreferably oxygen, sulfur, or nitrogen, and the hetero groups areN-alkyl, where the alkyl or N-alkyl group preferably contains between 1and 4, more preferably between 1 and 2 carbon atoms. Preferred alkylsare methyl, ethyl, n- and i-propyl, and n-, i-, and t-butyl. Theheterocyclic ring contains between 5 and 7, preferably between 5 and 6ring members. Suitable examples of heterocyclic rings includepyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, hexamethylenediamine, morpholine,and N-methylpiperazine.

The agonists and antagonists of the nicotinergic acetylcholine receptorsare preferably compounds having the following structure: ##STR5##wherein: ##STR6##

n is 1 or 2,

Subst. stands for one of the substituents listed above, preferably,halogen, more preferably, chlorine,

and A, Z, X, and E have the meanings stated above.

Specifically, the following compounds are cited: ##STR7## Especiallypreferred agonists and antagonists of the nicotinergic acetylcholinereceptors are compounds having the structures: ##STR8## in particularcompounds having the structure ##STR9##

The most preferred compounds in this class are imidacloprid andthiomethoxam.

D. Adherents

Adherents are materials which cause the insecticidal composition toadhere to the crop once it is administered, and remain for an extendedperiod of time without being washed away by water. Suitable adherentsinclude polymers such as polybutadiene and copolymers thereof, i.e.,polybutadiene/styrene copolymers, as well as thixotropic agents.Adherents are commercially available in different viscosities, which areappropriate for different applications. For example, the location ofuse, the type of crop being treated, the temperature and time of use,and the weather conditions in the crop locus, are examples of factorswhich might be taken into consideration when selecting an appropriateadherent.

Thixotropic agents are materials which are solid or gel-like when notsubjected to mechanical stress, but which liquefy upon exposure tomechanical stress. These can be preferred when the composition isadministered in a manner which induces mechanical stress, for example,by aerial application. When the aerial application is performed,mechanical stress used to form appropriately sized droplets of thecomposition induces sufficient mechanical stress to liquefy thecomposition. The contact of the drops with the crop also may liquefy thecomposition. However, in the absence of mechanical stress, thecomposition re-gels or re-solidifies, and thereby adheres to the crop.Suitable thixotropic agents are known to those of skill in the art, andare described, for example, in Canadian Patent No. 2066405, the contentsof which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Because the feeding stimulant and insecticide may both be water soluble,the presence of a thixotropic agent can be preferred to provide thecompositions with the ability to remain on the crops to which they areapplied for a sufficient period of time to effectively kill asignificant percentage of the insect population.

E. Carrier

The composition is preferably in the form of a gel, a dispersion, anemulsion, or a solution, which optionally incorporates various wetting,dispersing, emulsifying or gelling agents, such as thixotropic agents.

Suitable wetting, dispersing and emulsifying agents includesulphoricinoleates, quaternary ammonium derivatives or products basedupon condensates of ethylene oxide with nonyl- and octylphenol, orcarboxylic acid esters of anhydrosorbitols which have been renderedsoluble by etherification of the free hydroxy groups by condensationwith ethylene oxide, or mixtures of these types of agents. Wettablepowders may be treated with water immediately before use to givesuspensions ready for application.

These gels, emulsions, suspensions, dispersions, and/or solutions may beprepared using aqueous, organic or aqueous-organic diluents, for exampleacetophenone, isophorone, toluene, xylene, mineral, animal or vegetableoils, and water soluble polymers (and mixtures of these diluents), whichmay contain wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agents of the ionic ornon-ionic types or mixtures thereof, for example those of the typesdescribed above. When desired, the emulsions containing the feedingstimulant and insecticide may be used in the form of self-emulsifyingconcentrates containing the active substance dissolved in theemulsifying agents or in solvents containing emulsifying agentscompatible with the active substance, the simple addition of water tosuch concentrates producing compositions ready for use.

The compositions are preferably present as liquid concentrates, or asgel-like materials, which are capable of being applied via aerialapplication equipment. Liquid compositions include water miscibleconcentrates, emulsifiable concentrates, flowable suspensions, andwettable or soluble powders, although the materials are preferablypresent in the form of a thixotropic gel.

Compositions in the form of aerosols and aqueous or non-aqueoussolutions or dispersions suitable for spraying, fogging and low- orultra-low volume spraying may also be used.

F. Optional Components

The compositions can include as optional components additives such asadjuvants, carriers, wetting agents, surfactants, dispersants,dye-stuffs, thixotropic agents, and preferably sticking agents oradhesives or glues. The compositions can also optionally includestabilizing substances, other insecticides, acaricides, plantnematocides, anthelmintics or anticoccidials, fungicides (agriculturalor veterinary as appropriate e.g. benomyl, iprodione), bactericides, andvarious insect attractants, repellents or pheromones. These may bedesigned to improve potency, persistence, safety, uptake where desired,spectrum of insects controlled or to enable the composition to performother useful functions in the same area treated.

II. Insects Which Can Be Controlled

The compositions and methods described herein are effective ateliminating or substantially reducing the population of a large varietyof insects, for example, including adults, larvae and eggs ofLepidoptera (butterflies and moths), e.g. Heliothis spp. such asHeliothis virescens (tobacco budworm), Heliothis armioera and Heliothiszea, Spodoptera spp. such as S exempta, S. littoralis (Egyptian cottonworm), S. eridania (southern army worm), Mamestra configurata (berthaarmy worm); Earias spp. e.g. E. insulana (Egyptian bollworm),Pectinophora spp. e.g. Pectinophora gossypiella (pink bollworm),Ostrinia spp. such as O. nubilalis (European comborer), Trichoplusia ni(cabbage looper), Pieris spp. (cabbage worms), Laphyqma spp. (armyworms), Agrotis and Amathes spp. (cutworms), Wiseana spp. (porina moth),Chilo spp. (rice stem borer), Tryporyza spp. and Diatraea spp. (sugarcane borers and rice borers), Sparganothis pilleriana (grape berrymoth), Cydia pomonella (codling moth), Archips spp. (fruit tree tortrixmoths), Plutella xylostella (diamond back moth); against adult andlarvae of Coleoptera (beetles) e.g. Hypothenemus hampei (coffee berryborer), Hylesinus spp. (bark beetles), Anthonomus grandis (cotton bollweevil), Acalymma spp. (cucumber beetles), Lema spp., Psylliodes spp.,Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Diabrotica spp.(corn rootworms), Gonocephalum spp. (false wire worms), Agriotes spp.(wireworms), Dermolepida and Heteronychus spp. (white grubs), Phaedoncochleariae (mustard beetle), Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus (rice waterweevil), Melioethes spp. (pollen beetles), Ceutorhynchus spp.,Rhynchophorus and Cosmopolites spp. (root weevils); against Hemipterae.g. Psylla spp., Bemisia spp., Trialeurodes spp., Aphis spp., Myzusspp., Megoura viciae, Phylloxera spp., Adelges spp., Phorodon humuli(hop damson aphid), Aeneolamia spp., Nephotettix spp. (rice leafhoppers), Empoasca spp., Nilaparvata spp., Perkinsiella spp., Pyrillaspp., Aonidiella spp. (red scales), Coccus spp., Pseucoccus spp.,Helopeltis spp. (mosquito bugs), Lygus spp., Dysdercus spp., Oxycarenusspp., Nezara spp.; Hymenoptera e.g. Athalia spp. and Cephus spp. (sawflies), Atta spp. (leaf cutting ants); Diptera e.g. Hylemyia spp. (rootflies), Atherigona spp., Chlorops spp. (shoot flies), Phytomyza spp.(leaf miners), Ceratitis spp. (fruit flies); Thysanoptera such as Thripstabaci: Orthoptera such as Locusta and Schistocerca spp. (locusts) andcrickets e.g. Gryllus spp. and Acheta spp.; Collembola e.g. Sminthurusspp. and Onychiurus spp. (springtails), Isoptera e.g. Odontotermes spp.(termites), Dermaptera e.g. Forficula spp. (earwigs) and also otherarthropods of agricultural significance such as Acari (mites) e.g.Tetranychus spp., Panonychus spp. and Bryobia spp. (spider mites),Eriophyes spp. (gall mites), Polyphacotarsonemus spp.; Blaniulus spp.(millipedes), Scutigerella spp. (symphilids), Oniscus spp. (woodlice)and Triops spp. (crustacea).

Suitable feeding stimulants for these insects are either known or can bedetermined through no more than routine experimentation.

Specific insects which are currently problematic in corn, cotton, andrice crops, as well as fire ants, which are problematic throughout thecountry, will be discussed in more detail below.

A. Diabrotica

One example of pest which can be controlled using the compositions andmethods disclosed herein include corn and vegetable-destroying pests,generally beetles, especially pests of the class Diabrotica, moreparticularly Diabrotica virgifera, Diabrotica undecimpunctataundecimpunctata, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi, Diabroticabalteata, Diabrotica decolor, Diabrotica duodecimpunctata, Diabroticalongicornis, Diabrotica vittata. The method of control is especiallypreferred for controlling adult pests.

B. FireAnts

Fire ants are common in the United States as well as around the world.Their bite is harmful to humans, causing pain to those bitten by them.Currently, there are not believed to be generally effective means foreradicating fire ants from a domestic locus or a crop locus. Typicalmethods for killing fire ants include spraying a liquid insecticidalcomposition directly on an ant hill or by the use of baits. Thesemethods tend to reduce, but not effectively eliminate, the fire antpopulation.

C. Boll Weevils

Boll weevils are the principle insect responsible for damaging cottoncrops. Infestations of boll weevils are often treated by setting upbaited traps including Grandlure, the boll weevil pheremone. Grandlurecan also optionally be used in connection with the compositions andmethods described herein.

III. Methods of Application

The methods of controlling insects at a locus involve administering thecomposition to a crop locus at a concentration in which the insecticidealone is non-toxic to the insect during normal feeding throughout theentire crop locus when the insect is not otherwise attracted to theinsecticide, but is toxic by virtue of the feeding stimulant, whichcauses the insect to seek out and eat an effective insecticidal amountof the insecticide, even at the extremely low dosages in which it isapplied. Preferred methods of applying the composition includecrop-dusting and spraying. The preferred droplet size is between 20 and1000 microns, preferably between 30 and 800 microns, and, mostpreferably, around 500 microns. Other methods known to those of skill inthe art may be used, but are less preferred.

The compositions and methods described herein are of particular value inthe protection of field, forage, plantation, orchard and vineyard crops,of ornamentals and of plantation and forest trees, for example, cereals(such as maize, wheat, rice, sorghum), cotton, tobacco, vegetables andsalads (such as beans, cole crops, curcurbits, lettuce, onions, tomatoesand peppers), field crops (such as potato, sugar beet, ground nuts,soyabean, oil seed rape), sugar cane, grassland and forage (such asmaize, sorghum, lucerne), plantations (such as of tea, coffee, cocoa,banana, oil palm, coconut, rubber, spices), orchards and groves (such asof stone and pip fruit, citrus, kiwifruit, avocado, mango, olives andwalnuts), vineyards, ornamental plants, flowers and shrubs under glassand in gardens and parks, forest trees (both deciduous and evergreen) inforests, plantations and nurseries.

For the control of the insects described herein, in particular, insectsof the class Diabrotica, fire ants, boll weevils and rice water weevils,the active compound is generally applied to the locus in whichinfestation is to be controlled at a rate of about 10 mg to about 10 g,preferably between 10 mg and 5 g, and, more preferably, between 10 and990 mg of active compound per hectare of locus treated. Under idealconditions, depending on the pest to be controlled, the lower rate mayoffer adequate protection. On the other hand, adverse weatherconditions, resistance of the pest and other factors may require thatthe active ingredient be used in higher proportions. The actualcompositions employed and their rate of application will be selected toachieve the desired effect(s) by the farmer, pest control operator orother person skilled in the art.

For control of Diabrotica, the composition is advantageouslyadministered in a non-solid form, for example, as foliar sprays, dusts,fogs and/or foams, and is preferably able to remain on the leaves duringthe time pupation and reproduction of an insect. A preferred method forapplying the compositions is by aerial application. Methods for aerialapplication are known to those of skill in the art. When the crop beingtreated is one which has leaves, the composition is preferably appliedon the leaves of the crop or close to the leaves.

For control of fire ants, the composition is advantageously administeredin a solid form, particularly a granule that may be broadcast or may beapplied as a discrete mound.

The composition is preferably administered at a concentration of about 9liters per acre, to provide an effective concentration of theinsecticide and feeding stimulant. Alternate methods of applicationinclude spraying.

The compositions are preferably applied at an optimum time for theparticular crop to be treated. Optimum times include when the crop ismost susceptible to insect infestation, and also when the insect is mostlikely to be at a stage of development where it can be most effectivelytreated with the insecticide/feeding stimulant combination. Preferably,to adequately control a population of insects which undergo pupation andreproduction, and particularly when a thixotropic agent is used, thecompositions remain on the crops for a significant amount of time, i.e.,greater than 10 days, and, more preferably, between 15 and 50 days.

For this purpose, the active ingredient and the components of thecompositions are chosen in such a way that the efficacy or lethalactivity of the composition remains more than 15 days, preferably morethan 25 days. Some particular circumstances may provide duration ofactivity outside these ranges. The composition may be applied onlyduring the period of time where the male pests have emerged frompupation and are in circulation, however, it is generally preferred toapply the composition when both males and females are present.

For certain Diabrotica spp., for example, corn rootworm beetles, theadults and larvae are both alive at the same time, and are undergoingcycles of reproduction and pupation, respectively. By applying thecomposition over the top of the corn plant, the adults which are presentat the crop locus are killed. Because the adults are killed, thereproductive cycle of the population is then substantially halted.Accordingly, the entire population of insects, adults and larvae, can bereduced with one insecticidal application. In such an application, it ispreferred that the composition remains on the crops for at least fifteendays, and, more preferably, between 25 and 50 days.

For certain crops, for example, cotton, the insects, for example, theboll weevil, tend to cause the most damage at the fruiting stage (oftenreferred to as pinhead square). If the composition is applied to cottonat a time ranging from between the beginning of the fruiting stage tothe time of harvest, the composition will be effective at treating theinsect infestation throughout a substantial part of the growing season.

The compositions and methods described herein will be better understoodwith respect to the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Control of Diabrotica virgifera at a Corn Field

The following conditions are applicable when a one hectare field of cornabout 1.5 meters high and at the stage of tasseling and silking isinvaded by the adults of Diabrotica virgifera, which are a variety ofcorn root beetles. At the beginning of the invasion, the field issprayed with a sticky gel formulation which includes about 0.01%Fipronil, an adherent described in Canadian Patent 2066405, as well asabout 40% of cucurbitacin E-glycoside obtained by extraction of awatermelon. It is sprayed at a dose providing about 0.1 g/ha ofFipronil. The gel sticks to the leaves of the corn plants. After threeweeks the population of the beetles is reduced by about 95%.

EXAMPLE 2 Control of Fireants

The following conditions apply to treating a field of pasture about onehectare in area which is infested with fire ants (solenopsis invicta) inmulti- and/or single-queen colonies, where ther arre about 300 visiblemounds. A granular bait formulation that includes fipronil, corn oil andcorn cob is broadcast over the area such that the rate of fipronil isabout 20 mg/ha. After one week, there is about a 90% reduction in thenumber of fire ants.

While the invention has been described in terms of various preferredembodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate that variousmodifications, substitutions, omissions and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that thescope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of thefollowing claims, including equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling Diabrotica insects at acrop locus or which may invade a crop locus, which comprises applying tothe locus a composition comprising:a) a cucurbitacin feeding stimulant,and b) an amount effective at controlling the diabrotica insectpopulation of an insecticide selected from aryl pyrazole insecticides,said amount being about 0.1 to 0.9 g/ha or less insecticide.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises anadherent.
 3. The method of claim 3, wherein the adherent is athixotropic agent.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition isin a non-solid form.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the compositionis applied to the crop locus by aerial application.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the composition remains on the crop locus for a periodof time greater than 15 days.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein thefeeding stimulant induces the insect to consume between 10 and 150percent of its body weight of the composition.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the 1-aryl pyrazole is a compound of the following formula:##STR10## wherein: R₁ is CN or methyl;R₂ is S(O)_(n) R₃ ; R₃ is alkyl orhaloalkyl; R₄ is H, halo, or a radical selected from --NR₅ R₆, C(O)OR₇,--S(O)_(m) R₇, alkyl, haloalkyl, --OR₈, or --N═C(R₉)(R₁₀); R₅ and R₆ areindependently H, alkyl, haloalkyl, --C(O)alkyl, or --S(O)_(r) CF₃ ; orR₅ and R₆ form together a divalent radical which may be interrupted byone or more heteroatoms; R₇ is alkyl or haloalkyl; R₈ is H, alkyl, orhaloalkyl; R₉ is H or alkyl; R₁₀ is phenyl or heteroaryl, optionallysubstituted with one or more functional groups selected from hydroxy,halo, --O-alkyl, --S-alkyl, cyano, alkyl or combinations thereof; X is Nor the radical C-R₁₂ ; R₁₁ and R₁₂ are, independently, H or halo, R₁₃ ishalo, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, --S(O)_(q) CF₃ or --SF₅ ; m, n, q, r areindependently 0, 1, or 2; provided that when R₁ is methyl, R₃ ishaloalkyl, R₄ is NH₂, R₁₁ is Cl, R₁₃ is CF₃, and X is N.
 9. The methodof claim 8, wherein R₁ is CN; and/or R₄ is --NR₅ R₆ ; and/or R₅ and R₆are independently H, alkyl, haloalkyl, --C(O)alkyl, or C(O)OR₇ ; and/orX is C-R₁₂ ; and/or R₁₃ is halo, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, or --SF₅. 10.The method of claim 1, wherein the 1-arylpyrazole is5-amino-3-cyano-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethylsulfinylpyrazole(Fipronil).
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the cucurbitacin iscucurbitacin E-glycoside.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the feedingstimulant is cucurbitacin E-glycoside and the insecticide is5-amino-3-cyano-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethylsulfinylpyrazole.13. The method of claim 1, wherein the insecticide is effective toprovide control of the population of insects during a period of timewherein at least a portion of the population undergoes pupation andreproduction.